Breast Lift FAQs

If you’re considering a breast lift, it’s natural to have a lot of questions before your surgery. Below, you’ll find answers to some of our patients’ most commonly asked questions so you can feel fully informed before it’s time for your surgery.

La Jolla Breast Institute

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Breast Lift FAQs

If you’re considering a breast lift, it’s natural to have a lot of questions before your surgery. Below, you’ll find answers to some of our patients’ most commonly asked questions so you can feel fully informed before it’s time for your surgery.

Breast Lift FAQs

Regarded as one of the best breast lift surgeons in the San Diego Area, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Halls and his staff take a patient-first approach toward your care that includes an emphasis on patient education. If you have any questions that are not addressed here, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call (858) 458-0100 today to request a breast lift consultation at La Jolla Breast Institute.

Am I a good candidate for a breast lift?

The best candidates for a breast lift should be in good general physical and mental health and have realistic expectations about their results. Women most commonly seek breast lift surgery in order to correct drooping (ptotic) breasts, reposition the nipples, decrease areola size or restore symmetry to uneven breasts. If your nipples point downward or there is no visible skin under the nipple when facing the breasts head on, you may be an ideal candidate for a breast lift.

Will a breast lift increase my cup size?

Your breasts will not be significantly larger or smaller after a breast lift, only perkier. Although a small amount of tissue may be removed during the breast lift, most patients feel that their breasts look fuller and feel firmer after surgery. If you want a noticeable increase in breast size in addition to the benefits of a breast lift, Dr. Halls may recommend combining breast implants with your breast lift for the best results.

How much scarring will there be?

Any wound to the skin can leave a scar behind, including surgical incisions. There are several options for incision placement during your procedure, all of which are positioned as discreetly as possible to be hidden by clothing, bras or swimwear. The appearance of your scar should improve significantly throughout the first year after your surgery, and should eventually fade to the point where they are hardly noticeable. Most women feel that the benefits of their breast lift far outweigh concerns over visible scarring once they see their results.

What are the different types of breast lift incisions, and what difference will they make in my breast lift?

There are three main types of breasts lift incisions:

The periareolar incision, sometimes called a “donut” lift, is an incision made solely around the areola. This incision is excellent for minimal movement of the nipple position or reduction in the size of the areola, however this type of lift affects the overall shape of the breast only slightly and can flatten the breast profile.

A vertical breast lift, sometimes referred to as a lollipop lift, includes an incision around the areola and straight down to the bottom of the breast. This type of lift is effective at narrowing as well as raising the breasts, and can provide the most dramatic results with the least amount of scarring.

The anchor incision is a vertical lift that includes an incision under the crease of the breast. This horizontal portion of the incision is most likely to leave a noticeable scar, but may be necessary for women with considerable excess skin.

Dr. Halls will talk about all of these options with you in more detail during your consultation to make sure you understand the pros and cons of each approach.

Can a breast lift and augmentation be performed at the same time?

It is absolutely possible to combine breast implants with your lift, and in fact, many women find that the combination of these two procedures delivers exactly the look they hope for. A lift reshapes and uplifts the existing breast tissue, while breast implants boost cup size for a final result that’s fuller as well as more youthful-looking. If you are interested in increasing your cup size as well as raising the position of your breasts or minimizing/relocating your areolas, these two surgeries together may be ideal for you.

Is it possible to breastfeed after breast lift surgery?

Breastfeeding after a breast lift is possible provided the nipple is left attached to the underlying breast tissue. If you intend to breastfeed in the future, be sure to discuss this possibility with Dr. Halls during your consultation, and he will be able to advise you further. It’s important to remember that your ability to breastfeed after surgery cannot be guaranteed, so if nursing is a priority for you, Dr. Halls may advise you to wait until you’ve completed your family before committing to surgery. Remember, not all women are able to breast feed even without previous surgery.

Should I get a breast lift if I plan on getting pregnant in the future?

Pregnancy can greatly impact the size, shape and placement of your breasts, potentially affecting your breast enhancement results. If you intend to become pregnant in the near future, you may want to consider delaying your breast surgery a bit longer for the best long-term outcome.

What will my recovery be like?

The results of your breast lift should be immediately apparent, although swelling and incision lines will initially obscure your final results. Over the next few months, the swelling will go down and the scars fade to reveal shapelier, lifted breasts. Specific recovery time depends on the individual surgery, although most women can expect to return to work anywhere between 2 and 14 days after undergoing a breast lift, depending upon their required activity level.